Author's Note: Sorry it's been a while, but now I've finally got around to typing this chapter up.  I really want to say big thank-yous to Victory Thru Tears and Starling. Not only have they lent Kelsey and I their characters, they have also been completely supportive of our story, and keep us writing, so thanks guys. I hope you both enjoy the next two chapters.

Chapter 2-part 1-Tara's Pov

By: Kelsey

5/1, 2:43P.M.

The trip of a lifetime…and our plane was late.

But we're finally here-glorious Ireland! A little smoggy around the city, but other than that, just as I pictured it…green. Even the hotel lobby is green.

We're met at the door by a slender brunette of about my height. She introduces herself as Maya Hansen, and the three of us-Maya, Willow, and I- get better acquainted as we head to our flat.

As we ascend in the elevator to the sixth floor, Maya mentions another soon-to-be roommate of ours.

"Her name's Taryn McDonald, but call her anything but. She goes by Taz, Tazzie, Purple…like I said, anything but Taryn."

"So are you two friends?" Willow asks.

Maya hesitates a little, but eventually says, "Um, yeah, we're really good friends."

"So are Willow and I," I add. Will's hands are behind her back; I take one and stroke her fingers.

The elevator doors open, and we get out. Six twenty-four-a corner room with a kitchen, a sitting area, a closet, and two queen sized beds. I knew who I'd be sharing with.

When we get to the door, Maya puts her hand on the knob, but before turning it, whispers to us, "I just thought I'd warn you-Taz is slightly…different. Sweet, but different. You'll like her more as you get to know her, but she's just had some Lilt and Cadbury's, so she's a little…well, you'll see." She opens the, and standing in the bedroom is a short, purple girl. Not her skin, of course, but everything else. She has violet hair and eyes, a purple spaghetti-strap top, black cargo pants with purple fairy and butterfly patches, and Doc Martins with purple shoelaces. She really lives up to her name.

Maya introduces us. Taz greets us and I notice a heavy Irish accent.

"Wow, was our plane that late?" I joke. She looks at me absently. "…Your accent, I mean…" I try to explain.

She just keeps staring at me like I'm dumber than a potato and says, "I am Irish."

"Oh…well, then, I guess you know the country pretty well, right?" I keep trying to be friendly.

"I guess so," she answers.

Maya takes her hand and suggests they go get something to drink. Maya asks if Will and I want anything; Will says she'll try some Lilt. At this, Taz seems happy. She smiles at us and I smile back, but as soon as I hear the door close I turn to Willow and urgently whisper, "You want Lilt? You want Lilt?! Weren't you listening? She had Lilt…" I grab her shoulders. "I don't want you to turn out like her!"

"What, you mean Taz?" Willow replies innocently. "Relax, she's running on five hours of sleep and caffeine, and right now she's in the sarcastic/bitchy/ nearly unconscious stage of the sugar high. After she has a nap, she'll be fine…I should know. I go through it a lot."

 "Really?" I've never noticed," I comment.

"That's because my 'nearly unconscious' roughly translates to 'asleep wherever I am.' So I sleep through the bitchiness and the sarcastic…ness."

"Well, you don't seem asleep that often."

"Well…okay." I can tell she's tired now, and I am too. Before Taz and Maya come back, we're asleep on one of the beds.

Chapter 2-Part 2-Willow's Pov

By: Willow

May 1, 4:27 P.M.

 I sigh softly, and gaze gently at the sleeping form of my wonderful girlfriend, Tara. She looks so peaceful when she sleeps that I can't help but watch her.

Catching the flight was a freaking nightmare. There was a hurricane off in the ocean, but we were getting lots of rain and wind. So, the plane was very late to get over here. We're both exhausted, and couldn't wait to lat down for a nap. I'm pretty sure we fell asleep instantly, which is more than I can say for some nights…

With a small gasp, I am awakened from my musing by Tara moving slightly, and smiling up at me. She has the sweetest smile ever. We're cuddled up close, still, and I can feel her heart beating quietly.

"Hey, you," she whispers softly. I feel my own heart quicken at the sound of her voice.

"Hi," I answer back, very lightly as well. I really want to kiss her right now. As if she reads my mind, Tara leans in and captures me in a loving kiss.

I'm rendered breathless instantly.

"I love you so much," she tells me after our kiss. I couldn't agree more.

"I love you too, baby."

What a wonderful way to wake up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Around five, Taz and Maya stumbled into the room. They were piled with packages from various gift shops, and could barely see over their purchases.

Tara was resting on the couch in casual clothes-completely exhausted. I was lazily flipping through channels from my position on the chair.

After they sat their packages on the floor, the two girls plopped down tiredly in front of the TV. Within a few minutes, it was obvious that Taz was getting fidgety. All at once, Taz loudly declared that we should all go out for dinner in a restaurant.

Maya gives us an asking look.

I look at Tara and she nods.

I guess we're going to dinner.